Broken Tail-Gate Support Arm

[Overlander 80]

The support arm itself is still fine. The top anchor screw that holds up half the gate when it's down is sheered off . The body of the screw is stuck inside and I don't know how to get it out. Any help on how to fix this is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[cruiserdan]

Perhaps drill it with a left-hand drill.

You will need a new strap because the bolts are not serviced, they come only with the strap.

 

[Overlander 80]

Thanks cruiserdan, one more quick question...

Is a left handed drill the same as getting a 'left-threaded' or reverse threaded bit and running my drill in reverse?

I imagine, in that process, I will be stripping any thread in the female end where the screw is stuck. (Unless I get lucky and the screw locks-up with the bit and backs out enough that I can get a hold of it.) Then re-thread to fit a larger diameter screw to re-attach the gate strap.

Sounds like this should work as long as I can find the reverse drill bits.

Let me know if I'm missing something.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Yes, a left-handed drill is a drill bit w/ a reverse spiral.

Use a smaller bit than the size of the shank so as not to damage the threads. The hope is that the bit will catch and back the bolt out. Another option is to simply drill it with a regular bit and use an easy-out (also known as a bolt extractor) commonly available at Sears and other tool/parts stores.

Ary

 

[Overlander 80]

Thanks Ary. I'll let you know how I do with this. Appreciate your help. Tom

 

[sseaman]

sears sells a set of three that work really well, i seem to know from experience. You may need a little oil as you drill the bolt it will help

 

[Swowie]

My alternate repair

I went another route. I had weak struts and I did not want to spend $$$ to repair. I went to NAPA and bought 4 ball ends and took my Toyota struts in and matched them up with ball end struts. The ball ends had 5/16 threads on them so I drilled out the posts onthe straps and then drilled them and tapped them for the 5/16 thread. i installed the ball ends into the straps and used a cut off wheel to trim excess thread material. I now have excellent hatch support and no more aching head or neck! This route is under $60 for both struts.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I went another route. I had weak struts and I did not want to spend $$$ to repair. I went to NAPA and bought 4 ball ends and took my Toyota struts in and matched them up with ball end struts. The ball ends had 5/16 threads on them so I drilled out the posts onthe straps and then drilled them and tapped them for the 5/16 thread. i installed the ball ends into the straps and used a cut off wheel to trim excess thread material. I now have excellent hatch support and no more aching head or neck! This route is under $60 for both struts.

While this is excellent information, this post is in reference to the lower gate and the folding strap supports that hold it up.

 

[Overlander 80]

Alright I got the stuff....

Thanks for all you input ....SSEAMAN, ARY and SWOWIE. Got the reverse bits and plan on extracting the stub tonight. Cross your fingers.....I will lube it up first. Tom